Film fest wants adventure, action, storytelling

fosters.com

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Posted Aug. 8, 2013 at 12:01 AM

Posted Aug. 8, 2013 at 12:01 AM

PORTLAND, Maine — Organizers of the Maine Outdoor Film Festival (MOFF) announced Aug. 24 as the date for their 2nd annual event. They have invited local filmmakers and those from across the globe to screen their outdoor adventure feature films and shorts in one of Maine’s most pristine wilderness areas: The Forks. Interested filmmakers have until August 1 to submit their work.

Entries will be reviewed by a seven member jury and awards given in the following categories: Best Maine Film, Best Film From Away, Best Winter Film, Best River Film, Best Trip Report/Film About a Single Adventure, Best Young Filmmaker (18 or under). Awards will also be given for Most Inspiring Athlete, World Premiere and Audience Award.

Nick Callanan, president of No Umbrella Media, whitewater paddler and documentary filmmaker, along with Joe Christopher, president of Three Rivers Whitewater and a rafting and skydiving outfitter, established MOFF in 2012 to provide a professional venue for filmmakers whose work focused on the beauty of nature and being active.

“If you’re a filmmaker with a feature length film, or short, that focuses on outdoor activities, then your ultimate goal is to screen your work at the prestigious BANFF Mountain Film Festival in Canada,” Callanan said, “Our goal with MOFF is to create a similar event in Maine where filmmakers and outdoor athletes converge to celebrate their respective crafts.”

Since its inception, MOFF has donated a portion of its proceeds to a worthy nonprofit. This year’s beneficiary is Teens to Trails, (T3) a 501c3 group that works with high school outing clubs to help teenagers appreciate outdoor activities. After the festival ends, MOFF continues to raise funds for T3 by taking the award winning films on tour. The MOFF Selects Tour travels throughout the year to designated Maine theaters, as well as area colleges and high school amphitheaters.

Over 200 filmmakers and guests attended last year’s event and this year’s MOFF is on track to double in size.

“With the support of the film, outdoor and local community, we are stoked to build on last year’s success,” said Christopher, “There are so many outdoor activities and natural sites in The Forks area, and to combine those elements with MOFF makes for a really dynamic weekend.”

For more information about MOFF, to submit a film, purchase tickets or to find upcoming tour dates, go to: http://maineoutdoorfilm.com. To become a 2013 corporate sponsor email: Moff.dawn@gmail.com.